The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra stands as a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by devout Hindus seeking spiritual salvation. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the four primary pilgrimage centers, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri-beckon millions of devotees. These sacred shrines open their gates for darshan after winter closure, drawing a multitude of followers.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, each Dham displays a spectrum of vibrant greens against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas. Pilgrims embark on a challenging trek to reach the main shrines, braving perilous terrains to offer their prayers. The prescribed route for the Yatra is in a clockwise direction from West to East, commencing at Yamunotri, progressing through Gangotri and Kedarnath, and concluding at Badrinath.
This spiritual journey, usually undertaken from April/May to October/November, is renowned as one of the most significant in Hinduism. The Char Dham Yatra is not merely a physical expedition but a profound odyssey, considered the journey of a lifetime for those seeking spiritual fulfillment.
Read More: Holy Places to Visit During Chardham Yatra
Nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayan mountain ranges, Yamunotri stands surrounded by unparalleled greenery and breathtaking exuberance. Embarking on a trek to this serene destination requires both stamina and considerable courage, as the narrow trail is skillfully carved into the mountainside. Renowned as one of the most scenic and thrilling treks among the three other Dham sites, each step unfolds magnificent surroundings, showcasing the raw beauty of nature.
Yamunotri Dham is positioned at a distance of 13 kilometers from Hanuman Chatti and 6 kilometers from Janki Chatti. A motorable road leads up to Janki Chatti via Syana Chatti, Rana Chatti, and Hanuman Chatti, spanning a distance of 50 kilometers from Barkot. For those seeking alternative transportation, ponies, palanquins, and mules are readily available to facilitate the journey.
Road Map – Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar (16 km) → Chamab (46 km) → Brahmkhal (15 km) → Barkot (40 km) → Sayana Chatti (27 km) → Hanuman Chatti (6 km) → Phool Chatti (5 km) → Janki Chatti (3 km) → Yamunotri (6 km)
Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this sacred Hindu pilgrimage site rests beside the holy River Bhagirathi, believed to be the source of India’s holiest river, the Ganga. Perched at an elevation of 10,200 feet above sea level, folklore narrates that this is the very spot where Goddess Ganga descended following Lord Shiva’s release of the mighty river from the locks of his hair. Gangotri boasts excellent connectivity through a well-established network of roadways, linking it to major destinations. The name ‘Gangotri’ evokes a sense of profound purity, divine love, and unparalleled tranquillity that every pilgrim unquestionably encounters during their visit. There are two routes leading to Gangotri, namely:
Route 1 – Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Tehri → Dharasu Bend → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Gangnani → Harsil → Gangotri
Route 2 – Delhi → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Chamba → Tehri → Dharasu Bend → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Hangnani → Harsil → Gangotri
Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayan region, the primary sanctuary of Kedarnath is situated alongside the meandering River Mandakini, within the breathtaking surroundings of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple stands as a prominent center for religious activities in India. Every summer, many devotees converge here to fervently present their prayers to the supreme deity, seeking the path to moksha or salvation.
Perched at an impressive altitude of 11,755 feet above sea level, Kedarnath holds a distinguished place among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The pathways and trails to the central temple shrine are impeccably well-maintained, offering pilgrims a smooth and serene journey to the sacred site.
Road Map – Rishikesh (213 km) → Devprayag (74 km) → Srinagar (35 km) → Rudraprayag (33 km) → Tilwara (9 km) → Agastamuni (10 km) → Kund (15 km) → Guptkashi (5 km) → Phata (11 km) → Rampur (9 km) → Sonprayag (3 km) → Gauri Kund (5 km) → Rambara Bridge (7 km) → Lincholi (5 km) → Kedarnath (4 km)
A new pathway has been established following the flash flood in 2013 that caused extensive damage to the temple’s surroundings.
Perched at an altitude of 10,279 feet in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Badrinath Mandir is esteemed as one of the holiest pilgrimage centers for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desam and serves as a focal point for the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Nestled along the banks of the River Alaknanda amidst the verdant Garhwal Hills, Badrinath is embraced by the snow-clad Narayana Parbat, creating a picturesque setting that comes alive during the darshan seasons. The temple is easily accessible via a well-connected network of roads, with regular bus services operating at frequent intervals between Rishikesh and Badrinath.
Road Map – Rishikesh → Devprayag (71 km) → Kirtinagar (30 km) → Srinagar (4 km) → Rudraprayag (34 km) → Gauchar (20 km) → Karnaprayag (12 km) → Nandprayag (20 km) → Chamoli (11 km) → Birahi (8 km) → Pipalkoti (9 km) → Garur Ganga (5 km) → Helang (15 km) → Joshimath (14 km) → Vishnuprayag (13 km) → Govindghat (8 km) → Pandukeshwar (3 km) → Hanuman Chatti (10 km) → Badrinath Ji (11 km)
Char Dham Yatra Complete Route Map
The Yatra spans a total distance of 1,607 km, starting from Haridwar and concluding at Rishikesh.
Here is the Entire Route Map
Driving on hills is prohibited between 8 pm and 4 am.
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